Pesticide notification registry opens tomorrow

February 8, 2018

Residents who would like to be notified of pesticide spraying near their homes can sign up for the City of Kelowna’s pesticide notification registry starting Friday, Feb. 9. Online registration is available at kelowna.ca/environment until March 12.

“We’ve been working to reduce and restrict the use of cosmetic pesticides on residential properties since the introduction of the pesticide bylaw in 2009,” said Corey Davis, Environmental Coordinator. “Under the bylaw, certified applicators are still allowed to apply chemical pesticides, that’s why our pesticide notification registry is an important tool for residents who want to know when spraying is happening in their area to reduce exposure.”

Residents will be asked to provide their name, street address, postal code, phone number, email address, preference for same-day or day-before notification and reasons for registering. Residents who would prefer to register by phone can call the Commercial Pesticide Notification Registry Hotline at 250-469-8556.

Registrants are notified by commercial spray operators on the day before or the same day as the pesticide is applied on residential properties adjacent to theirs.

For accuracy purposes and to ensure the registry is kept up to date, residents must register each year. Those included in the 2017 registry need to register again to be included in this year’s notification program.

For more information about the City’s pesticide regulation bylaw or to learn pesticide-free yard tips, visit kelowna.ca/environment.